Meatball and Ziti Bake

Meatball and Ziti Bake

This is a wonderful cheesy pasta that will satisfy your whole family.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pkg. whole-wheat Ziti noodles uncooked
  • ⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 Tablespoons minced garlic divided
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt divided
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 12 oz. 90% lean ground sirloin
  • 1 egg
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil divided
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 28oz. can unsalted crushed tomatoes
  • 2 oz. part-skim mozzarella shredded

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat.                  
  2. Drain in a colander over a bowl; reserve ½ cup cooking liquid.
  3. Place panko breadcrumbs, 1 Tablespoon garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, black pepper, beef, and egg in a bowl, stirring just until combined.
  4. Shape beef mixture into 12-1" meatballs.
  5. Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.  Add oil; swirl to coat.
  6. Add meatballs to pan and cook 5 minutes, turning to brown on all sides.
  7. Add remaining 1 Tablespoon garlic, cook 30 seconds.
  8. Add reserved ½ cup cooking liquid, remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, 3 Tablespoons basil, crushed red pepper, and tomatoes to pan.
  9. Reduce heat to medium, cover and simmer 15 minutes.
  10. Stir pasta into tomato mixture, spread evenly in skillet.
  11. Sprinkle cheese over top; broil 1 minute or until cheese melts.
  12. Sprinkle with remaining 1 Tablespoon basil. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Recipe from Cooking Light Magazine.